Calculators

Translators

Check lists

• Decide how much you can spend.
• Check your credit reports to find out your status.
  Your credit report affects a lender’s willingness to give you a loan, and if there’s a mistake that negatively impacts you, you can try to correct it.
• Get an idea of how much you can borrow.
  Real estate agents and lenders can help with this, or use one of the mortgage calculators on the Web.

• Shop for a mortgage lender
  Look for the best rates and terms and a good-faith estimate of closing costs.

• Consider getting pre-approved for a loan.
  You won’t waste time looking at houses you can’t afford. Plus, a pre-approval letter will demonstrate your viability as a buyer (a good edge, when you bid on a house, if there are multiple offers), and you’ll save time once a bid is accepted
• Find a real estate agent.
  An agent, who will be paid by the seller, can do a lot of the legwork for you. To find an agent, ask friends and family, interview several candidates (make sure they’re licensed and have access to Multiple Listing Service). Decide who you’re most comfortable with, and contact references if possible.
• Research potential neighborhoods.
  Investigate issues like crime rate, schools, local services, proximity to supermarkets or other institutions that are important to you, commuting distance, ethnic diversity.
• Make a list of features you want in a house.
  Divide it into must-haves and like-to-haves.
• Go house hunting.
  Read the newspaper real-estate section, check out online sources , go to open houses, and use your agent. Print out a checklist of things to look for in each home you tour.
• Make an offer.
  But it should be contingent on the results of a home inspection and your ability to secure a mortgage.
• Start organizing for your move.
  Once the sale is final, check a list with movers, order supplies, and pack up your belongings.

Design Tools

Home design and decoration

Ikea Home Planner

Sweet Home 3D Online

Floor Plan Software

Garden Planner